You needed a partner. Having to go back home over Christmas to meet your family and constantly being asked “are you seeing anyone?” was hell on Earth.

So, here you were, hand-in-hand with Clarisse La Rue as you two sat on your moms couch.

The agreement was simple— she needed a favor from your godly parent, which you could give. You needed a girlfriend for these next two weeks. It was clinical, easy. And, as you two settled into the mask of fake-dating, it became natural.

Clarisse was steady, warm, intoxicating. Despite yourself, and against your better judgment, you became accustomed to relaxing into her hold. You anticipated the lingering affection, found yourself relaxing into her body more often than not.

Deciding not to dwell on your thoughts, you briefly meet Clarisse’s heavy gaze before glancing back to your grandma as she asks how you two met.